North County food briefs - 2/5/04

COUNTING CARBS? Stouffer's Lean Cuisine makes counting
carbohydrates easier with four new entrees. Each has from 12-25
grams of carbohydrate, less than 300 calories and one to two
servings of vegetables. The line has 11 varieties, and the four new
ones are Three Cheese Chicken; Roasted Turkey And Vegetables; Steak
Tips Portabello and Honey Dijon Grilled Chicken. Suggested retail
price is $2.39 to $2.79.

Good causes

GOURMET GALA: The Escondido Rotary Club will hold its inaugural
Coeur de Cuisine, an evening "gourmet gala," from 5-9 p.m. Sunday
at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido. Featured will be
food and wine pairings from restaurants and wineries throughout the
region. Proceeds will benefit local charities supported by the
Escondido Rotary Foundation. Besides multicourses of signature
dishes prepared by renowned area chefs, the evening will include a
reception, entertainment, silent auction, and a special tribute to
community leader Bill Brecht, founder of Brecht BMW, who died last
year. Call (760) 739-8805.

MEET THE CHEFS: Casa de Amparo will host "Meet the Chefs of Del
Mar" from 1-4 p.m. April 25 at the Del Mar Hilton to benefit abused
and neglected children. Chefs from 16 Del Mar restaurants will
prepare some of their signature dishes. Casa de Amparo is asking
for individual support on one of five levels: $15,000 Title
Sponsor, $10,000 Legacy Sponsor, $5,000 Major Sponsor, $2,500
Community Sponsor and $1,000 Patron Sponsor. Call Debbi Stanley at
(760) 754-5500, Ext.18.

Events

HEALTHY LECTURE: The Poway-Penasquitos branch of the American
Association of University Women hosts Erica Bohm of "Healthy Dining
in San Diego" from 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 11 at St. Bartholomew's Church,
16275 Pomerado Road, to discuss tips on eating healthy while dining
at local restaurants. Bohm will review types of restaurants and
menu items to choose. The event will include dinner from local
restaurants. Cost is $22, which includes a copy of the book
"Healthy Dining in San Diego." Reserve to (858) 679-7339.

"Wine, Women, and Song -- and Cheese!" -- Three-course
cheese-centered meal paired with flights of wine from The Wine
Connection. This special event is limited to 21 guests at 8 p.m.
Feb. 15. Cost is $45.

"Irish Cheeses" -- Tasting of artisanal cheeses from The Emerald
Isle. Wear your green, bring your favorite leprechaun, and enjoy an
afternoon eating and discussing good food from 2-4 p.m. March 13.
Cost is $8, or free for Aniata Club members.

"Soft & Mild" -- This tasting from 2-4 p.m. March 27 will
cover fresh varieties like burrata, ricotta, and fromage blanc
through the decadently rich triple creams. Cost is $7 or free for
Aniata Club members.